Alright, consider the can officially opened. While this is my first post on this topic, it certainly won't be my last. Read on if you can take it.
I believe that every person on this planet is an Atheist, they just don't know it yet. To me, it's just a matter of when (and if, for some) they are willing to free their mind enough to let it happen. I think it makes sense why religion exists in this world - why so many different versions have been created. Religion was invented to meet very important needs for humanity (as well as for power). Most importantly, religion/faith helps us deal with the unknown and our fear of death and what comes afterward. It's so much easier to have something to believe in - to not feel so alone. The thought of spending time on this earth, living 74 1/2 years and then never existing again, never getting a chance to see our parents, our loved ones ever again is not something that anyone would get in line to sign up for. We're not built to handle this psychologically or emotionally.
There's an enormous group of people out there that are really "loyal believers." They will look me in the face and tell me that their faith is undying and they have no doubt - that I'm crazy or going to hell for my non-belief. And there's probably equally as large of a group that want to believe that way but they are more likely just going through the motions - these people have doubt. They were brought up with faith - they went to church - maybe they still do from time to time - but it's like they go to fulfill their obligation so they can feel like they are doing the right thing. They can check it off the list - "we went to mass this morning" so I'm a good Catholic - I'm still on track to go to heaven when I die. I ask you, is this you? Truthfully, can you answer the question or does it fill you with guilt?
What would happen if you stepped back from what you've been told, what you've read in the bible or otherwise, and question it? I think that if any person, smart, dumb, loyal or not, regardless of what religion he/she practices, spent even a few moments putting it all in perspective, there would be so many holes, so many things that are implausible, so many unanswered questions, that it just wouldn't make sense to believe. Let me also just say that there is a distinct different between spirituality and religion - I will cover this in another post some time.
We are in a different Era of belief right now - thousands of years ago, the Egyptians believed in their gods, and the Greeks, the Romans - many of those people devoted years of their life worshiping, building temples, sacrificing and dying in the name of religion. Just like now people do it for Christ or God or Allah. If you're a Christian now, do you believe that all those Greeks, Romans and Egyptians just went to hell? Where are they? Jesus wasn't here yet, so were they just not given a chance to go to heaven? Do you even think about this or just dismiss it and focus on giving up something for lent?
I understand why people practice religion or believe - it's because they are weak - they use religion in their life to meet some need that they can't get from relationships with people, actions they take or what this world has to offer. Or they are afraid - afraid to take on the thoughts it requires to find perspective. I think it's an evolution of mind - challenging what you've been told, what you've been fed, what others "say" is right - to free your mind from it all and come to terms with it.
It's not easy to be an Atheist - you are in an extreme minority - you will find discrimination around every corner. People will look at you with disgust and anger - plus, you are the one that has to live your life with the burden that all you have is life. I've found myself on a plane about to take off and I've thought to myself "Please God let this trip be safe" - only to realize that there is no magic man in the clouds watching over me and my flight. I'm at the mercy of the pilot, the weather and the plane. It's scary and provides no comfort. Something good happens and I find myself saying "Thank God." though I'm not really thanking anyone or anything. The more that happens, the more I realize that religion is normal. Like I said, people believe because we're built that way. It's too much work, too scary to take it all on without the comfort that we're being watched over, that there's more to life than our time on earth. It's much easier to believe than not to.
In regards to comfort - are you comforting yourself through your religion or others? When you pray for me, I don't hear the prayers - I don't believe in God - so those prayers aren't getting to me or helping me at all - they're helping you. You're praying for yourself - which in one way could be seen as kind of selfish. I don't mind - if it makes you feel better to do that, ok. Just seems that you could do more for me by talking to me, lending me a hand - bake me a cake even...at least I wouldn't grow hungry. A prayer is not helping me, despite what you believe. Which is a topic in and of itself: does your motivation for good actually translate to others if they don't believe what you believe? (for another post...)
Seriously, tell me - what good comes from religion at all? I've asked myself this question many times over my transition to atheism. It's been a hard question for me to answer, especially if you consider all the deaths in the name of religion - the crusades, the wars, the persecution, the bias, the bigotry, the molestation - every single religion has its scars. EVERY ONE.
I used to think of the people in the church, the work done for charity, the graciousness, the acts of kindness - but you know, those are more a product of the community than of the religion itself. How is that different from a community organization like the Red Cross or the Peace Corps? You don't need God for people to come together and reach out a hand to rebuild a house, donate food or volunteer in a soup kitchen. I'd like to think as a society, as humans, we're better than that - we can offer a hand to a neighbor in need, give our time to help others and lead a life of good influence without feeling like we're pleasing God or gaining credit for it towards a life in heaven. What does your faith/religion get you?
As I've said, I suppose religion has a purpose - when someone you love dies, if you cling to your "faith" it will make it easier for you to cope. You will sleep easier believing that that person is in a "better place" - that it's ok to lose someone because God will take care of them. But you're just fooling yourself - is ignorance truly bliss? Would you rather live your life believing what you've read and been fed - believing in mythical stories, making decisions based on rules and recommendations from the church - and die without having to bear the burden of atheism if it provides simplicity to your life? ignorant comfort? Or would coming to terms with all of this put your life in a much better perspective?
Do I live my life differently now that I'm an atheist? Sure I do. True, as I said, it's much harder in a lot of ways - funerals have been really interesting - it's been really hard to deal with the reality of death - to think that at any moment your life can be taken from you and then it's all gone. But at the same time, I've realized that all I have is what I have here on earth - with my family and my friends. It's become even more important for me to leave behind a legacy of good - to make a positive difference in this world - to strengthen the relationships I have with my family and friends, because when others can rely on God in their darkest hours, I only have them.
I used to think it was a curse to be an atheist, but now I know I am better off for it. As I said earlier, I think more and more people will start to question things - to wonder and ponder - to try to find perspective - and when they do, they will end up where I am - maybe reluctantly so - but once you do, there's no going back.
Those that don't, haven't tried or are afraid to. If you read this and think I'm wrong - that I don't "understand your faith" or your relationship with God - that I'm somehow misguided or need help - that's fine - you, like me, are entitled to what you think and believe. Continue on your own path - one that I believe you're afraid to challenge. Ask yourself why you believe - if you stumble for an answer, you haven't given it enough thought. You're a non-believer, you just don't know it yet. You can have spirituality, find peace within, keep core values - live a life of goodness, of sacrifice - be a really good person - and be a non-believer. Remember, there is a distinct difference between serving God and serving your fellow man.
I'm not trying to convert anyone - just like I hate it when people preach to me. Then again, it is MY blog and you came here to hear me, not the other way around. We each have our own road to walk on - some of us just will actually get somewhere when we get to the end.
UPDATE/COMMENT (March 2nd):
I certainly don't mean to come across as self-righteous, though in reading back my post, it certainly could be seen that way. Let me be clear then - I don't believe I'm any better off in any way for my non-belief. In fact, as I stated in the post, I wonder if I had more faith - whether it truly is ignorance or not - I would live a much richer life.
As I said, I think there's certainly a place for religion - especially personal faith and spirituality. I have less of a time seeing the benefit in organized, structured religion (like with how I was raised in the Catholic church).
Much good comes from those that do believe - acts are still done in the name of God or religion - and I suppose that counts. If someone's faith helps them to do good things, to be strong for others in time of peril, than it's providing benefit. I've witnessed it first hand by admiring the way a woman cared for a dying grandmother until the day she died. Her faith kept her strong to be able to do such a selfless job.
My intent was not to bash religion entirely - in fact as I said above, I see more merit in individualized belief than in organized, structure practice - but I can see how it came across that way.
Lastly, I don't claim to know everything. I don't mean to be critical of those that believe - I just truly think they are afraid to consider the alternative. And I believe that if they really did - if they took the time to question everything, not just take someone's word for it, that they would see it more like I see it.
I'm still learning thru my evolution. I might think I have it all worked out but I'm not afraid to admit I'm wrong. I know that everything is not just black or white. It's not like all or nothing. We don't fit into a predefined mold. I don't believe in God - I don't believe that Jesus was divine or that he died and came back to life. But I also don't believe that when we die, our souls die either. I think there's more to it than what we can see, feel, smell, touch and hear. I'm still trying to figure it out. Thanks for taking the journey with me so far...
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First of all WOW DR9! That is a mouthful. Isn't it strange that I never really knew this about you??? I have to say that I agree with a bunch of what you say, We all choose our own path, there is an ultimate end to our lives, etc. I see religion as part of our history and that's that. I don't believe anyone else has power over me unless I give it to them. That is why I had such a hard time when working in social services with supporting the whole AA thing... GIving yourself to a higher power. The power was usually another recovering person who was not ready to truly help another still just themselves. another act of control etc.
ReplyDeleteThere were a few times though that I saw the good that prayer and religion had. I used to pick up the homeless at the Market Street Mission and bring them to our Shelter. Once I stayed late to wait for someone who had to work late. Every day the residents of the Mission would have "prayer and song" before their dinner. Now I had met the guys who belonged to their program and let's just say they were ROUGH. They had seen more in their lives than I would care to ever see. They would all shuffle in to the chapel. after all had entered they began to sing. I don't think I had ever heard anything more beautiful than those guys who sang that night. Not because they were in tune, or harmonizing or well rehearsed; it was the energy. It was uplifting and I had to fight back my tears. I was so moved. I looked into the chapel to see they had projected the words to the song on the wall so all who were present could participate. I don't know what else to make of it but know there was something special for those guys there.
I DO believe in "praying". I do believe our thoughts and wishes send good energy to others. Energy is life, without it we are dead. It does help them in some way. Maybe you are referring to the "Our Father" or "Hail Mary", and perhaps to that I agree, but I call on my friends and family for good thoughts when I feel I need them. For good energy and vibes for others. I don't think I am weak for that nor do I think others are for drawing strength from others and giving to others who need strength. Being a giver you are a receiver. ~ Sharon
Although I agree with a lot of what you say, I think it's unfair to say that all religious people are weak, or they don't have the strength to "question". I have known many people who "lost their faith" so to speak, and then turned around and rediscovered it. I think LOTS of people question, but end up with different answers. I also know many truly good happy people with wonderful loves who believe in God. I don't think they are weak or somehow less intelligent than I am.
ReplyDeleteOn the same token, there are crazy brainwashed fundies that take things to the extreme. I also think there are similiar atheists.
What good comes of religion? I can't answer that, and neither can you, because we don't buy into it. But people who do might find a profound peace from it, and I don't think it's our place to question where others find their happiness. If I want people to leave me alone in my disbelief, I certainly wouldn't call them weak and question where they find their happiness and their answers.
Some people just truly believe in a higher power. They have had experiences that have lead them to that. No different than you seeing a ghost, they have seen something that has strengthened their faith. Do I get it? Not for a second. But it's not my issue or my concern. While I almost consider myself a "militant" atheist, I think it's important to remember that I could be wrong. We could be wrong. So, there is certainly no discernable proof, IMO, that God exists, no one on this earth knows for sure.
"I used to think of the people in the church, the work done for charity, the graciousness, the acts of kindness - but you know, those are more a product of the community than of the religion itself."
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I would be able to easily distinguish community and church in a lot of instances. And I'm not sure that religion doesn't play a pretty big charitable role throughout the world. And these religious charities are not unlike secular charities, accept, of course, that they are religious. Which is the point. The fact that secular charities can perform the same function doesn't take away the fact that religious organizations do some pretty terrific charitable work. So, I wouldn't dismiss the work that religious charities do, and I would argue that it is useful and good. But I'm sure people would argue that you don't need religion or religious beliefs to carry out charitable work, and we don't we need religion as a moral compass, ect. And of course this is true. And you're right that you don't need god to do charity. But the reality is that religions and religious people carry out charitable work, and it serves a "good" purpose. I don't think that this justifies religion, but nonetheless very useful.
So I think it's important to distinguish some of the more fanciful religious teachings from practical, reality-based good deeds that are carried out in the name of religion.
I'm not sure if I would call myself an atheist , and I think I am more likely just utterly apathetic about religion. But I agree with basically all of what you said, other than the charity portion. I would also note that the the bloodiest war in human history was not exactly fought over religion. And the USSR was secular/atheist (publicly). And, also, Stalin killed a lot of people. I guess the point being that if religion ended today there would still be people fighting (which is not to say that religion shouldn't end today).
I would also like to second this:
"bake me a cake even...at least I wouldn't grow hungry."
This reminds me of a radio piece I listened to last week on On The Media. It's a short piece and not at all unrelated: http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2009/02/13/08
ReplyDelete---
Paradise Lost
February 13, 2009
As a born-again Christian, L.A. Times reporter Bill Lobdell was frustrated by media coverage of religious people. So he lobbied his editors and prayed for the religion beat. He eventually got his wish, only to lose his faith in the church and in God after eight years on the job. Here is our 2007 interview with Lobdell and here is his new book, Losing My Religion.
I do not think being a "believer" makes you weak. I also do not think all people believe because they are trying to overcome a weakness (however, for some, I'm sure this is the case, as noted below). A little over three years ago, I watched my beloved grandmother face death with strength and peace. I feel that she was able to take her final breath with a mixture of courage and serenity, and I truly believe this is because she devoted a majority of her life to her faith.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do agree that organized religions can contribute to human weakness, or even, create it. I believe that cases where one's religion causes an intolerance for a group of people or a lifestyle, represent a great breakdown in humanity, and this can be defined as a major weakness. Also, there are cases in which one turns to strict religious beliefs in order to run away from who they truly are a person. If someone throws themselves into a set of beliefs in an attempt to erase the core truth of who they are, then yes, that is certainly a weakness, and it is horribly, horribly sad. When religious fervor causes groups of people to destroy or attempt to destroy each other, humankind is weakened. I have always believed this: at the dawn of time, humans needed to believe in God in order to temper the fear of death. Later, humans needed to organize religions partly in order to temper the fear of human nature. I believe some people "cling" to their religion in order to constrict the base, sordid, sometimes frightening, truths of of what it is to be human. This makes me sad because in the end, no matter how hard one tries to smother it, we are who we are, and, if embraced, what was once fear can become something strong beautiful and true.
I agree with Chris D. that there are several faith-based groups that have done marvelous work throughout history-- and they still do. Also, there are many non-faith based groups that do just as important work. We should not need to compare the two, or say one is better than the other. That is just attempting to create a weakness in an idea--helping others-- that is incredibly powerful and deeply important.
I also agree with Caba-- there are fundies on both sides of this argument. I worry that this causes more tension and division in an already tense and divisive world. But, on the other hand, honesty is a fabulous thing.
I have always been very protective of and solitary in my spiritual beliefs. I do not believe in a single, male, omnipresence that sits in a throne in the clouds. But, as I have said in another comment, I do believe in the power of history, the universe, and what I call the Mother Goddess, Nature. So, what does that make me? I don't know, and, really, I don't care. I do not feel the need for a label.
It really is amazing the criticism we face when we state that we don't believe in a God or follow religion. The response I get is somewhat defensive, like I am attacking their belief by not believing. An elder aunt was shocked when she realized my kids were not baptized. They ask me "Why not?" and I answer "Why, when I don't believe in any of it." That was an ugly discussion and she pretty much said that my kids were condemned to hell for the "sins" of the parents. I haven't spoken to her since, its been almost a year.
ReplyDeleteLate in life you would want your "self" to live on through your kids and grand kids, and if your kids reject a portion of that "self" then it ceases to live on. I believe this is why the older generations have a harder time accepting atheism in their children or grandchildren, especially since religion has become an integral part of most cultures around the world. For this reason, also, is why most of us lie to keep the peace. It's hard to make a woman of 80, who has lived her entire life praying and attending church, accept that she has wasted a huge portion of her life on something that is not real. Honestly, I feel it's cruel and unnecessary, and this is where ignorance is bliss. My family is filled with all-or-nothing believers, and so I now avoid topics of religion altogether just to keep the peace. I mean, do I really want to break down my 80-year-old aunt and make her realized that she may have nothing to look forward to once she dies, which may be tomorrow or the next day. What good would that do?
As for the future generations, education is key. I grew up catholic, church every Sunday, heaven, hell, communion, confirmation, the whole nine yards. Once in a PUBLIC high school, where religion and history became more controversial in social studies and such, that was when the seed was planted and it developed all throughout college until it was clear that none of it mattered. Explaining this to my parents was pretty hard, and after disowning me a few times they eventually accepted my choices. Now, towards my self-righteous aunt, they defended me by simply stating "that's her belief". It's not that they turned atheist, it's more that they learned to accept, which, in my opinion, is just as good.
First off, I have to say BRAVO! This must have been a very difficult post to write considering the effects that it may or may not have on your relationships.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I am an Atheist myself. I absolutely believe that there is no "God" in the religious sense of the word. I also KNOW that millions upon millions of people (and animals for that matter) have been killed in the name of "God" whether it be the Christian God, the Jewish God, the Islamic God, or any of the countless other Gods that have been thought up over the ages.
The difference in our opinions lies in the blame. I do not necessarily blame the concept of religion. In fact, I see many beneficial things about religion as a concept. I DO, on the other hand, blame fanaticism.
As I have commented before, everything in moderation.
Fanatics were to blame for ALL of those deaths. You don't often hear about reform Jews beheading a Christian in Clifton or a church goer in Boise, Idaho slaughtering a homosexual for walking down the wrong side of the street. You DO hear about a group of white supremacists doing that exact thing. Or a angry black mob dragging an innocent man from a truck and beating him to death for being white. Or the ongoing strife in the middle east. All of it is fanaticism. All of it grows from somebody thinking that their view is correct and everyone else is wrong. That's where humans go wrong.
A lot of people throughout history have used religion as the basis of their fanaticism and that's why I think it easy to blame the religion itself.
But I don't blame religion.